Around this time of year, parents of Year 6 children start to think about applying to secondary schools. It can feel like a massive decision to make when you’re deciding your child’s future education. We’ve pulled together information on secondary schools in Devon to make that decision-making process a little lighter.
We know that parents are the best source of knowledge about schools, so if you’d like us to update our information or have something to add about any of the schools we’ve listed please email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Some other useful links for you include:
Devon Secondary School Transport
Devon Secondary School Admissions
Devon Secondary Schools League Table Information
We’ve listed the secondary schools alphabetically.
Atlantic Academy
Bus routes:
Route 1: Bude – Kilkhampton – Higher Clovelly – Hartland – Atlantic Academy
Route 2: Woolsery – Atlantic Academy
Route 3: Monkleigh – Parkham – Buckland Brewer – Atlantic Academy
Route 4: Welcombe – Atlantic Academy
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc Barnstaple or Bideford College Sixth Form
Ethos: Atlantic Academy seeks to create a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment that allows for individual differences and learning styles to be celebrated. Each student’s confidence, resilience and enthusiasm for learning is fostered by positive relationships with fellow students, staff and our broader community.
Ofsted Report: Inadequate (June 2017)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.49 Below Average
Uniform: available from Price Buckland including blazer, tie, v-neck jumper, skirt or trousers plus PE kit.
Website: https://www.atlantic.academy/
Students and parents say:
“Atlantic Academy is a small school with around 200 students. As well as a policy of knowing students well, they have a dedicated nurture room to support children with additional social, emotional and mental health needs where group and 1:1 therapies take place.”
Bideford College
Bus routes: Buses arrive on Bideford Quay from lots of local areas. Only those more than 3 miles from school are given free transport and sometimes get direct buses. There are cases of children in Westward Ho! not receiving free transport as they are under the 3 mile limit.
Specialist Status: Music Mark School
Sixth Form: Yes. Some children go on to Petroc, Barnstaple or Exeter College
Ethos: The college is proud of the broad and balanced curriculum that it offers our students in both the main school and in the sixth form. It offers the potential to develop a range of academic and vocational skills that prepares young people for careers in the 21st century. This is underpinned by a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities that nurtures the development of sporting, artistic and technical talents that sees our students succeed at a local, national and international level.
Ofsted Report: Good (June 2022)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.44 Below Average
Uniform: Black trousers or skirt, black V-neck, white shirt. Blazer from school supplier.
Website: https://bidefordcollege.org/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Braunton Academy
Bus routes:
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc, Barnstaple or Exeter College
Ethos: Our central aim is to inspire each child to ‘Aspire & Achieve’; to maximise success, achievement and personal fulfilment in all they do: by promoting and teaching our agreed values of the “Personal Learning and Thinking Skills”, RESPECT, CHARACTER and COMMUNITY in a secure and purposeful environment which our young people find stimulating, respond to and enjoy. We will continue to encourage and support a genuine LOVE OF LEARNING for life.
Ofsted Report: Good (January 2020)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.37 Below Average
Uniform: It’s recommended that parents buy their child’s uniform from Daws (Barnstaple) or if they buy from elsewhere that the uniform is of a similar standard and includes:
- Blazer with school badge – compulsory for Year 10 and Year 11 and voluntary for years 7, 8 and 9 – only available from Daw’s Clothing Company.
- (All years) grey pullover with school badge – only available from Daw’s Clothing Company. Students may choose to wear the pullover as well as the blazer, as an optional item in colder weather.
- Tie with house colour stripes – only available from Daw’s Clothing Company (Croyde – Yellow, Putsborough – Green, Saunton – Red and Woolacombe – blue).
- Plain black formal trousers/shorts or black pleated skirt.
- Formal white shirt – short or long sleeved.
- Plain black school shoes.
- Plain black socks.
Website: https://www.braunton.academy/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Chulmleigh Community College
Bus routes: School buses to Chulmleigh are available for High Bickington, Dolton, Winkleigh, Witheridge, Chawleigh, Lapford and Morchard Bishop.
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Exeter College, Petroc, Barnstaple or Queen Elizabeth, Crediton
Ethos: In recent years our results have been some of the best in the region. We are very proud of these academic results, but they are also underpinned by a long tradition in music, outdoor education, the arts and sport. At Chulmleigh College we have high expectations of our pupils: excellent standards of behaviour, a strict uniform policy and courtesy at all times – we believe this provides the best possible learning environment. We are also proud of the excellent relationships we have with our pupils, families and friends within the community.
Ofsted Report: Good (February 2018)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: 0.43 Above Average
Uniform: Blazer, tie and jumper available from Thomas Moore, Exeter, black trousers or skirt and plain white shirt.
Website: https://www.chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Great Torrington School
Bus routes: Free transport is provided for children who live within the designated area of the school if they live more than three miles away by the shortest available walking route.
From September 2019, if a family is on a low income (where they are entitled to free school meals, or the family gets the maximum level of Working Tax Credit), they will have a right to transport to one of the three nearest schools between 2 and 6 miles from their home. Buses also travel daily from Bideford to GTS, although a termly ticket is required for these.
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc, Barnstaple, Exeter College or Bideford Sixth Form
Ethos: GTS is committed to being a fully inclusive, safe school that educates in a holistic manner and promotes the wider personal development of every young person, equipping them to be global citizens. It will maximise pupil potential through providing opportunities, raising aspirations, and driving academic attainment.
Ofsted Report: Good (November 2016)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.22 Below average
Uniform: Black skirt or trousers, plain white shirt, Y7-9 school jumper with GTS logo, Y10-11 GTS blazer with optional jumper.
Website: https://gts.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Holsworthy Community College
Bus routes: Buses to Holsworthy Community College come from Clawton, Bradworthy, Beaworthy, Shebbear, Milton Damerel and Bridgerule.
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Exeter College or Launceston College
Ethos: The ethos at Holsworthy is one of support. The dedicated staff at HCC will work together to identify and provide the assistance your child needs to maximise their achievement. We have high expectations for pupils and teachers alike to work together to ensure strong progress, from when pupils join us in Year 7, to when they leave us in Year 11. We want to work with parents and carers to give our pupils the best chance of success during what are very important years of their lives.
Ofsted Report: Good (January 2014)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.38 Below Average
Uniform:
Uniform is available from Thomas Moore, Exeter, although equivalent uniform is also acceptable.
Website: https://www.hcc.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Ilfracombe Church of England Academy
Bus routes: School buses travel daily from Woolacombe and Combe Martin.
Specialist Status: Arts
Sixth Form: Yes, some children go on to Petroc, Barnstaple and a few go to Exeter College
Ethos: Ilfracombe serve and support our community providing a child-centred education that reflects Christian values. Respecting the dignity and potential of each individual person and sensitive to the needs of a diverse society we strive to enhance and strengthen our values of Hope, Kindness, Courage, Integrity, Trust, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. These values are central to our school. They are committed to the highest standards of academic excellence; they are dedicated to providing the best possible education for all our students by developing the knowledge, understanding and skills essential for learning and leading a fulfilled life.
Ofsted Report: Good (April 2017)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.26 Below Average
Uniform: TBC
Website: https://www.ilfracombeacademy.org.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Okehampton College
Bus routes: School buses come from South Zeal, Lydford, North Tawton, Hatherleigh and Chagford
Specialist Status: Art Council Award, Sustainable Energy School, International School Award, Healthy Child Quality Mark
Sixth Form: Yes, some children go on to Exeter College
Ethos: At Okehampton College our simple aim is nothing more, and nothing less, than for all our students to leave us as highly qualified, personable, articulate, and socially responsible young citizens, ready to lead happy and enriching lives.
Ofsted Report: Outstanding (January 2014, now part of Dartmoor Academy)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: 0.04 Average
Uniform:
- Grey formal pressed trousers or grey tartan skirt of reasonable style and sensible length (No jeans, denim or leggings).
- Plain white shirt with collar.
- Navy blue blazer.
- 100% black shoes. Any laces must be black.
- Plain black socks or black/tan tights are preferred. NO white socks.
- Hoodies and non-uniform jumpers are not to be worn.
- Sensible waterproof outdoor coats are strongly recommended.
Website: https://www.okehamptoncollege.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Park Community School
Bus routes: Direct school buses to Park come from Bishops Tawton, Landkey & Shirwell.
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc Barnstaple or Exeter College
Ethos: With a broad and varied curriculum and excellent facilities – coupled with a thriving extra-curricular offer and a much-deserved reputation for sporting excellence – Park School aims to deliver an independent school style of education, but for children of all backgrounds, starting points and abilities.
Ofsted Report: Requires Improvement (May 2017, now part of Tarka Learning Partnership)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score -0.31 Below Average
Uniform: Compulsory blazer and tie with other uniform purchasable from any other retailer. Their full policy can be found here.
Website: https://theparkschool.org.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
Pilton Community College
Bus routes: Buses to Pilton are direct from Fremington. The 21 and 21A go from Westward Ho! through to Barnstaple Bus Station.
Specialist Status: Languages
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc, Barnstaple or Exeter College
Ethos: We believe that education has a pivotal role in helping shape aspirations and in addressing issues of inequality, and we are determined to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for our students in order to prepare them for the challenges of life as young adults. Our key aim is to support our young people to develop the skills and abilities that will enable them to succeed and to realise their hopes and dreams. We recognise the importance of preparing them for further and higher education according to individual needs and interests, as well as supporting them to succeed in the world of work.
Ofsted Report: Requires Improvement (May 2019)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.64 Well Below Average
Uniform: Black blazer and a Pilton V-neck from Daws, Barnstaple with black trousers and a white shirt. Each house has their own colour of clip-on tie.
Website: https://www.piltoncollege.org.uk/
Students and parents say:
“I felt quite supported by lots of the teachers – they really cared about my potential and did their best to support me”
“There’s lots of opportunities to develop yourself”
“They focus on language so there’s some good GCSEs they don’t cover”
Queen Elizabeth’s
Bus routes: Buses travel direct from Copplestone and Sandford. It’s also possible to get local buses from Chulmleigh and Newton St Cyres to Crediton. It’s also possible to get to Crediton via train from Barnstaple, Umberleigh, Eggesford, Lapford and Coppleston.
Sixth Form: Yes, some children go on to Exeter College
Ethos: QE is a place where all people are empowered. Our curriculum challenges students, inspiring their curiosity and creativity. We develop knowledge and understanding of the world and promote the values of respect, reflection and resilience.
Ofsted Report: Good (May 2022)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: -0.33 Below Average
Uniform: TBC
Website: https://www.qe.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
South Molton Community College
Bus routes:
Specialist Status: None
Sixth Form: No, children go on to Petroc (Tiverton or Barnstaple), Queen Elizabeth or Exeter College
Ethos: As a school, we have a commitment to uphold and work within the values and ethos of co-operative schools. These values are self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
Ofsted Report: Good (December 2019)
League Table Information: Progress 8 Score: 0.22 Average
Uniform: Black trousers or skirt, whiter shirt. Jumpers and blazers available from Thomas Moore, Exeter and South West Schoolwear. You can find out more about their uniform policy here.
Website: https://www.smcc.devon.sch.uk/
Students and parents say:
Got something to tell us? Email us at hello@nextstepstutors.com
There’s some great secondary schools in Devon each offering their own take on education. My best advice is to take advantage of the open days in the Autumn Term and visit schools to see if it’s the right one for your child. Think about how easy it is to get there and back. Even if there are school buses every day, will it be easy for your child to join extra-curricula clubs? They’re important for making friends and growing into their own person as much as the academic side of things.
When you’re decided, you can find our more about the application process in Liz’s blog on Secondary School Transition. She’s packed in all the links and info you’ll need for your application.